Not yet recruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Impact of Prevention of Safe Sleeping and Unexpected Infant Death

This study aims to understand why some babies in France are not being put to sleep safely, even though there are clear guidelines to prevent Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID). SUID is when a baby aged 1 month to 2 years dies suddenly and unexpectedly, and it's a major cause of infant death. While 'back to sleep' campaigns in the 1990s significantly reduced these deaths, hundreds still occur each year that could be avoided. Researchers want to talk to parents of babies aged 0-6 months at a hospital's emergency department to find out their reasons for not always following safe sleep advice. They are also looking at how specialist nurses could provide better support and information to make sure more babies sleep safely.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Sponsor

University Hospital, Angers

Enrolment target

100

Start

30 Nov 2025

Estimated completion

30 Jun 2026

Unexpected Infant Death Prevention & Control Safe Sleeping

What is this study about?

Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID) is a tragic event where a baby dies suddenly and without warning. Often, the baby seemed healthy before. In France, this can happen to babies from one month up to two years old, and it's sadly a leading cause of infant death in many countries, including the UK. We know that following safe sleep advice, like always putting your baby to sleep on their back, has dramatically reduced the number of these deaths. However, there's still more to do, as some babies still die in situations that could have been prevented.

This study wants to understand why this is happening. For example, statistics show that some babies are still put to sleep on their tummies or sides, share beds with others, or sleep in unsafe bedding. Researchers also know that things like being born early or being around tobacco smoke can increase the risk. The number of SUIDs has recently started to rise again in France, making this research even more important.

The main goal of this study is to find out why parents might not be following the recommended safe sleep advice for their babies, especially those aged 0 to 6 months. They want to talk to parents directly to understand their challenges and what would help them. By understanding these reasons, the study hopes to find better ways for healthcare professionals, like specialist nurses, to support parents and ensure more babies sleep safely. This could help prevent many more avoidable deaths in the future.

Key takeaways

SUID is a leading cause of infant death, but many cases are preventable.
Safe sleep guidelines, like 'back to sleep', have saved many lives.
This study aims to understand why some parents don't follow safe sleep advice.
It hopes to find better ways for nurses to support parents.
Participation involves a conversation with a specialist nurse at a French hospital.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to be a parent (not a grandparent, aunt, or childminder, for example) who brings their baby to the children's emergency department at Angers University Hospital in France. Your baby must be between 0 and 6 months old.

There are a few reasons why you wouldn't be able to take part. If you're not the baby's parent, you can't join. Also, if you or your child are under any legal protection, you wouldn't be able to participate. Lastly, if you don't understand French, you won't be able to take part in this particular study.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you the baby's parent?
Is your baby between 0 and 6 months old?
Are you visiting the Pediatric Emergency Department at Angers University Hospital (in France)?
Do you understand and speak French?
Are you and your child not under legal protection?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

The study does not involve taking any medication or having extra hospital visits. If you are eligible and agree to take part, a specialist nurse will speak with you about safe sleeping practices for your baby. You'll be asked about your experiences and any challenges you face in following safe sleep recommendations. This conversation is designed to understand your viewpoint and should not take a long time. The total duration of your involvement would only be during your visit to the paediatric emergency department.

Potential risks and benefits

A potential benefit of joining this study is contributing to important research that could help prevent future infant deaths by improving safe sleep advice and support for parents. There are no known physical risks directly associated with participating, as it only involves a conversation. Your decision to participate is entirely voluntary, and you have the right to withdraw at any point without affecting your baby's treatment.

Locations (1)

CHU Angers
Verified postcode
Angers, France

Common questions

What is 'Sudden Unexpected Infant Death' (SUID)?

SUID is when a baby, usually between 1 month and 2 years old, dies suddenly and unexpectedly, even if they seemed healthy before.

Why is this study being done?

The study wants to understand why some parents might not follow safe sleep advice and how healthcare staff can better support them to prevent SUID.

Who can take part in this study?

Parents bringing their baby (aged 0-6 months) to the Angers University Hospital children's emergency department, who also speak French.

What will I have to do if I join?

You'll have a conversation with a specialist nurse about safe sleeping for your baby and any difficulties you face. It's not about medication or extra appointments.

Will my baby get extra care if I participate?

No, your baby's treatment will remain the same whether you join the study or not. This study is about gathering information from parents.

How to find out more

Gaëlle SORIN

gaelle.sorin@chu-angers.fr +33241354427 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.